108 - Seizures

Abstract

This chapter presents an overview of seizures and epilepsy, a disorder characterized by unprovoked seizures and related sequelae. The description and classification of different seizure types is important for identifying specific epilepsy syndromes, epilepsy causes, and guiding treatment. Common pediatric epilepsy syndromes include West syndrome, Lennox-Gastaut syndrome, childhood epilepsy with central temporal spikes, childhood absence epilepsy, and juvenile myoclonic epilepsy. Distinguishing seizures from other paroxysmal events of childhood is critical for guiding evaluation and management. Critical elements of the diagnostic evaluation of seizures and epilepsy include clinical history and physical examination, electroencephalogram, imaging studies, and genetic testing. Treatment of epilepsy falls into the broad categories of medications, the ketogenic and related diets, surgical resection or disconnection, and implantable stimulation devices.